13 Bizarre Old Laws That Still Technically Exist
Laws are meant to keep order, but some rules from long ago are just plain strange. Even more surprising, many of these weird old laws are still technically in place today. These odd legal leftovers give a peek into the past and how much times have changed.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
While most laws serve a clear purpose, some sound more like jokes than actual rules. Yet across different countries and states, there are bizarre laws that were never officially removed. From banning sandwiches after midnight to outlawing certain hairstyles, these rules still exist in dusty legal books. Explore 13 of the weirdest old laws that could technically get you in trouble today.
1. It’s Illegal to Die in the Houses of Parliament (UK)
Dominika Gregušová on pexels
In the UK, dying in the Houses of Parliament is still technically illegal. The law claims that if you die there, you’re entitled to a state funeral, which is costly. It’s rarely enforced, but it’s still on the books.
2. You Can’t Eat Fried Chicken With a Fork in Gainesville, Georgia
Andres Segura on pexels
A local law in Gainesville says you must eat fried chicken with your hands. It was created as a joke, but it remains a real city ordinance. One woman was even “arrested” as part of a prank when she used a fork.
3. No Whistling Underwater in Vermont
cottonbro studio on Pexels
There’s a law in Vermont that bans whistling underwater. No one knows exactly why it was written, since it’s nearly impossible to do anyway. Still, it’s one of those odd laws that was never removed.
4. Donkeys Can’t Sleep in Bathtubs in Arizona
Yan Krukau on Pexels
In Arizona, it’s illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. The law came after a donkey floated away in a tub during a flood in the 1920s. Since then, the rule has stayed in place just in case history repeats.
5. Chewing Gum is Banned in Singapore
Sherman Trotz on Pexels
Singapore has a strict ban on chewing gum in public. This ban was introduced to keep the streets clean and prevent vandalism. Even today, bringing gum into the country without permission can result in a fine.
6. It’s Illegal to Wear a Suit of Armor in British Parliament
Isabella Her on Pexels
Wearing a suit of armor in the UK’s Parliament has been banned since 1313. Back then, lawmakers wanted to prevent violence during debates. Although no one shows up in armor today, the rule still technically stands.
7. No Ice Cream in Your Back Pocket (Alabama)
Somben Chea on Pexels
In Alabama, it’s illegal to carry ice cream in your back pocket. This strange law was meant to stop horse theft, as thieves used ice cream to lure horses away. It sounds silly now, but it once served a sneaky purpose.
8. Don’t Explode Nuclear Bombs in Chico, California
Aleks Magnusson on Pexels
Chico has a law that bans the detonation of nuclear bombs within city limits. Breaking it comes with a fine of $500. It’s oddly specific, but technically still enforceable.
9. Pickles Must Bounce in Connecticut
Stanislav Kondratiev on Pexels
A pickle must bounce to be legally called a pickle in Connecticut. This quirky law came after vendors sold bad pickles, and the bounce test was a way to check freshness. It’s still a part of the state’s food inspection rules.
10. You Can’t Die in Longyearbyen, Norway
Theo Felten on Pexels
In Longyearbyen, dying is banned because the frozen ground keeps bodies from decomposing. If someone is seriously ill, they’re flown to the mainland. The rule still applies today due to the risk of disease spreading from preserved corpses.
11. No Singing Off-Key in North Carolina
Aleksandr Neplokhov on Pexels
There’s an old law in North Carolina that makes it illegal to sing off-key in public. While rarely enforced, it’s still listed in some legal documents. It’s a reminder that even music had rules in certain places.
12. Don’t Step on Money in Thailand
Q L On Pexels
In Thailand, stepping on currency is illegal because it disrespects the king, whose image is on the bills and coins. Tourists have gotten in trouble for this simple act. This law is tied deeply to cultural respect.
13. No Swearing in Public in Virginia Beach
August de Richelieu on Pexels
Virginia Beach has a law against using curse words in public spaces. Even though it’s rarely enforced now, you can still technically get fined. The rule was meant to keep public areas “family friendly.”